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Sachin Tendulkar’s letter got Harmanpreet Kaur a job in Western Railways

Unlike their male counterparts, nothing comes really easy for the women cricketers. The struggle at the foundation level is immense and it was no different for Harmanpreet Kaur.

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Sachin Tendulkar and Harmanpreet Kaur (Image courtesy: Getty)
Sachin Tendulkar and Harmanpreet Kaur (Image courtesy: Getty)

Unlike their male counterparts, nothing comes really easy for the women cricketers. The struggle at the foundation level is immense and it was no different for Harmanpreet Kaur. Her 171 not out against Australia in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 has made her a household name but Harmanpreet’s heroics has been there for long to be seen. Not to forget that it was her last ball six against South Africa which helped India clinch the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier. WATCH: Harmanpreet’s 171 decimates AUS in WWC17 semi-final

Former Indian skipper and current CoA member Diana Edulji had spotted Harmanpreet’s talent and in order to enhance her chance, she got her a job in the Western Railways but that was only possible once Sachin Tendulkar stepped in.

Edulji is a retired sports officer from Western Railways and had followed Harmanpreet’s progress since her junior days. She wanted her to join the Mumbai-based side. Harmanpreet already had an offer in junior post for Northern Railways but Edulji wanted her to come to Mumbai with a higher post.

“I told her, ‘I will get you a higher post’. She was getting a junior class in Northern Railways. I offered her a chief office superintendent post. Her application was later sent to Delhi, but was rejected by the president,” recalls Edulji in a chat with Indian Express.

Here comes the Master Blaster to the scene.

“I requested Sachin, who is a Member of Parliament, to write a letter to the Railway minister, forwarding the case of Harmanpreet Kaur,” Edulji added.

Tendulkar’s letter of recommendation and a little more persuasion from Edulji paved the way for Harmanpreet in Western Railways.

Things changing in women’s cricket

Edulji in her interview highlighted the plights of women’s cricketer. Ahead of the World Cup in England, many girls in the national side were even struggling for a kit bag. However, she believes that things have changed for the good. It was the first time they travelled in business class as well. Their daily allowance too has been hiked to US$ 100, which is the same as their men counterparts.

“Last time when I travelled to England as a manager we were given £25 per day. Girls used to get packed food from the supermarket nearby, boil it and eat it. At least now things have started to change,” concluded Edulji.

There will be loads of positives in store for women’s cricket once Mithali Raj’s girls bring home the coveted cup. We will find it out on July 23.

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